Suspected illegal immigrant arrested in St Leonards

An Albanian man was arrested today (Thursday, June 18) after immigration officials suspected he was working illegally in the UK.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said officers from the Kent and Sussex Immigration Enforcement team visited the CPV Hand Car Wash, Battle Road, St Leonards, this morning.

She said: “They interviewed staff working there and one man, aged 19 from Albania, was found to be working illegally having entered the UK illegally.

“He was arrested and placed in immigration detention.

“If it is found he has no right to remain in the country steps will be taken to remove him from the UK.”

The Home Office told the Observer the car washing business was served a notice warning a financial penalty of up to £20,000 will be imposed unless proof is provided that legally required right to work checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or a Home Office document.

Richard Lederle, assistant director from Home Office Immigration Enforcement, said: “Illegal working defrauds the taxpayer, undercuts employers who ply an honest trade and cheats legitimate jobseekers out of employment opportunities.

“We are happy to work with those who want to play by the rules but employers who break the law will face the consequences.

“People with detailed and specific information about suspected immigration abuse should contact us.”

A spokeswoman for Asda said although the car wash business is located in the Battle Road store’s car park, it was not affiliated with the supermarket.

Pictured above are immigration officials at the scene this morning. Photograph by Sandie Carlyon.

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